Recent Steroid Therapy Increases Severity of Varicella Infections in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Abstract
Objective. The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) continues to be a dangerous pathogen to immunocompromised children. Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are treated with intermittent steroid therapy. This study was undertaken to examine the relationship between steroid therapy for ALL and severity of varicella infection.